Held at the Midlands Golf Club, the annual event brought together over 80 players from across the region for a day of sun, golf and fundraising. This year’s proceeds will contribute to the purchase of height-adjustable ATOM Hi/Low neocots and recliner chairs, designed to improve comfort and accessibility for parents and staff caring for premature or unwell newborns. 

Each year, more than 1,400 babies are born at Ballarat Base Hospital. For some families, this includes time in the Special Care Nursery, where newborns may require specialised support and monitoring. 

Jo Pegg, Nurse Unit Manager of the Special Care Nursery at Grampians Health Ballarat, said the new equipment would address current limitations in accessibility and comfort. 

“At present, we only have two modern recliners available for parents, and our cots are fixed-height, which can make it difficult for some mothers—particularly those recovering from a caesarean—to access their baby without help. 

Adjustable cots and additional recliners will help improve the overall care experience, allowing parents to bond more easily with their child and supporting staff by reducing physical strain.” 

The new equipment will also facilitate Kangaroo Care—skin-to-skin contact between parents and their baby—which has been shown to support bonding and development. 

Ben Kelly, Chief Operations Officer at Grampians Health, thanked Adroit Insurance and Risk Ballarat for their ongoing support to Grampians Health Ballarat. 

"The funds raised from Adroit Insurance & Risk Charity Golf Day are vital to our hospital, enabling us to enhance the care and comfort we provide to our youngest patients and their families. On behalf of Grampians Health Ballarat, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Adroit Insurance and Risk Ballarat for their continuous support." 

The Adroit Insurance & Risk Charity Golf Day has supported local health projects since 2012. Past initiatives have included the redevelopment of the Children’s Ward, as well as ongoing contributions toward equipment and services not covered by standard hospital budgets. 

Carly Hibbins, Managing Principal with Adroit Insurance and Risk Ballarat, is delighted with another successful year of supporting child health in Ballarat. 

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Grampians Health Ballarat and the Ballarat Health Services Foundation. Every year, this event is a reminder of what our business community can achieve when we come together for a common cause. 

"This year’s project is especially meaningful. The equipment funded will directly improve the experience of local families going through what is often one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Knowing that parents will have greater comfort and access to their newborns—and that our local nurses and midwives will be better supported—makes all our efforts worthwhile.” 

The event was proudly delivered in partnership with the Ballarat Health Services Foundation, the community fundraising arm of Grampians Health Ballarat.  

In a generous show of support, the Foundation matched all funds raised on the day, bringing the total to nearly $70,000. These funds will make a meaningful difference for local families and healthcare staff, supporting projects that enhance patient care and comfort across our region.